Rabat — Morocco has established itself as a global tomato powerhouse over the past two decades, climbing from fifth to third place among the world’s leading exporters. The North African country now ships 767,000 tons of fresh tomatoes abroad annually — more than triple the 217,000 tons it exported in 2005.
The country trails only Mexico and the Netherlands in global rankings, and has surpassed both Spain and Turkiye in export volumes. In 2024, Morocco exported more tomatoes than Spain’s 638,000 tons and Turkiye’s 492,000 tons, according to data from the UN Statistics Division (COMTRADE).
A threefold increase in two decades
Morocco’s rise began from a modest position. In 2005, the country ranked fifth globally, behind Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Turkiye. But steady investment in greenhouse cultivation, improved packaging techniques, and diversified export markets fueled continuous growth.
The country had already overtaken Turkiye by 2016, exporting 525,000 tons compared to Turkiye’s 486,000 tons. The momentum continued as traditional powerhouses like Spain lost ground, with Mexico and the Netherlands eventually claiming the top two spots.
Revenue jumps nearly tenfold
Morocco’s success extends beyond volume. Its tomato exports generated €1.066 billion in 2024, compared to just €113 million in 2005 — nearly a tenfold increase in value.
This performance places Morocco third globally in export revenue, behind Mexico’s €3.079 billion and the Netherlands’ €1.769 billion. Spain, which earned €1.015 billion from tomato exports in 2024, now ranks behind Morocco for the first time, confirming a dramatic shift in the global market balance.
Quality and European demand drive success
Morocco owes its achievements to several factors, including improving product quality, consistent supply, and strategic proximity to Europe, its primary market. Moroccan exporters capitalized on strong demand for fresh tomatoes during the winter months, when European production drops significantly.
The country’s greenhouse farms deliver reliable shipments to European supermarkets throughout the colder season, filling a gap that local growers cannot meet. This logistical advantage, combined with competitive pricing and rising quality standards, has made Moroccan tomatoes a staple across the continent.
Morocco is now one of the pillars of global tomato trade, combining volume, quality, and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving sector. The country’s agricultural transformation demonstrates how strategic investment and market positioning can reshape international commerce in just two decades.
